Can an average person really create Zero Waste? The challenge was set and during the week 10-17 March 2008, one mother in Bury St Edmunds gave it a go. She only threw out a plaster. Can you do it too? Why not try your own Rubbish Diet and slim your bin. You'll be amazed at how easy it really is and you could even save some money. If Almost Mrs Average can do it, you can too.

Monday, 29 September 2008

Just Gai, who is based in Bristol, has signed up for the challenge and is busy blogging about her experience over at zerowaist.blogspot.com. She's doing brilliantly so do visit to see how she gets on this week.

However not everyone is celebrating such challenges, particularly the Conservatives who have allegedly criticised councils' plans. Indeed Eric Pickles, the shadow local government secretary, was quoted in the Telegraph as saying:

"We are entering a brave new world of fortnightly rubbish collections that we all know is going to fuel a surge in fly-tipping and backyard burning. This is not a responsible or practical way of encouraging recycling but merely a cleverly disguised form of propaganda attempting to peddle the benefits of fortnightly rubbish collections for town halls. This is bureaucratic convenience, without any public benefit."

I'm not into politics but I would have thought the Tories would have been happy to have less waste to deal with when they finally take over the reins of government, whenever that might be.

Personally I've been happy with fortnightly collections for nearly 5 years. I'd rather this option than have my council tax go up to cope with weekly collections. I'm also happy to have gained new knowledge of how I can reduce the rubbish we create. I really feel like I've broken out from the system and am now using my own free will and choice, regardless of what collection arrangements the local authority has in place.

Anyway, I don't think we should let anyone spoil the party, whatever their politics, especially as there are lots more Zero Waste events coming up. Over the next few months the idea of waste reduction is also being promoted in Cornwall, Norfolk, North London and Gloucestershire. So if an event is happening near you, then please join in. The key dates are:

And if anyone needs any extra convincing about the long lasting effects of participating in zero waste activities, pop by later this week when I will be chatting to a family that took part in Bath and North East Somerset's original challenge two years ago.

Hi John - it is great isn't it, and I really hope more people will blog as each event takes hold. It's a fabulous way to promote the idea. You're right about politician. I suppose they go with whatever will win votes, not all, but many. LOL at the media stuff. The answer is not at the moment but you never know where I'll end up ;-D

Hi Jane - thanks for the correction, I appreciate that. That's what I get from having a conversation with Mr A and trying to organise the post at the same time. How's everything going - well I hope. Good luck with next week and if you want to leave an update on the blog, feel free to do so. I'd be happy to feature your progress at the end of your week ;-D

Hi Mrs G - It's great to other events happening isn't it and I am sure that more will happen next year. Yes, please feel free to post the dates up on your blog. The more who know about the events the better. Great news about the moon too ;-D xxxx

One of the best things about this challenge has been the opportunity to discuss waste with a variety of people - friends, colleagues, shopkeepers, fellow shoppers and complete strangers on the internet. I believe that there is a genuine will to do more to reduce waste and that political parties of all persuasions would do well to respond by calling for measures to make the 3 Rs more accessible.

Like you, I welcomed the introduction of fortnightly landfill bin collection as it forced me to rethink my wasteful habits and set me on the path that has led to my Zero Waste Challenge Week.

Hi Just Gai - it's always a pleasure to plug what you're doing and it's been very interesting to see what's been on your mind at every stage of the challenge.

It is so true that once you've started a challenge like this, so many people become interested because everyone's got something to say about rubbish.

I hope that the politicians get it sorted, because it is a crucial matter that affects us all. Maybe we need a pact between consumers and councils. If we didn't create so much rubbish, there would be more room in the bin lorries, less landfill tax and fewer gate fees, which means councils could have more capacity to collect AND more money to invest in providing more frequent rubbish collections.

Zero Waste? Sounds good, nothing I ever heard of before. Mostly people (like myself) tend to get stuck thinking about the pollution from cars, traveling and renewable electricity but forgets about the waste that ends up in our trash can.

Hi Frederik - Great to see you here. It's always fab to welcome a new reader, so thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Zero Waste was new to me too when I picked up the challenge in January. I was amazed to discover it's been spreading around Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada and even the Isle of Man before hitting over here. Even then, it was rolled out as an idea in Bath, two years ago. I am sure as soon as more people hear about it, it will become as high profile as saving energy and car-sharing. I really hope you enjoy the site and thanks again for your supportive comments. :-D

...or check out the video of our zero waste home

@ THE STARTING POINT

This family used to create an average of two to three 50 litre bags of LANDFILL WASTE in a two week period. Through assessing and changing everyday habits, this was reduced heavily in time forZero Waste Week, which ended on 17th March 2008, when the only thing we threw out to landfill was a sticking plaster.

@ GUARDIAN UNLIMITED ON WASTE

The Rubbish Diet and Almost Mrs Average are trademarks of Karen Cannard, the author of this blog.

This blog is an independent work and has no direct relation with St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk County Council or WRAP. Any queries related to other organisation's initiatives should be sent to them directly. Readers should always check with their own local council regarding recycling and waste collection services, as these vary across districts and counties.

Please note: Any reference to specific organisations/products arise from the author's personal experience and not through sponsorship or advertising arrangements unless stated. Alternatives are often available and readers should always check suitability for their own personal circumstances.

Please do not use photos or content without the permission of the author. All queries about this blog should be sent to enquiries@therubbishdiet.co.uk All other contacts for Karen Cannard or running The Rubbish Diet can be found in the Contacts Page above.